Full ADU

Full ADU conversion across San Diego County

A full accessory dwelling unit conversion turns an attached or detached garage into a legally permitted, self-contained living space with its own kitchen, bathroom, and entry under California ADU law. We connect San Diego County homeowners with insured local crews that handle every phase from architectural drawings and permit submittal through framing, rough-in trades, insulation, drywall, and final inspection. Garage Convert SD is a referral service, insured but not licensed, cslb.ca.gov.

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Completed full ADU garage conversion with new windows, exterior siding, and a separate entry door beside the main home in a San Diego County neighborhood

What's included in this service?

Architectural drawings and structural calculations scoped for ADU submittal at the city or county plan check office
Title 24 energy compliance documentation required for permitted ADU conversions in California
Garage door removal and wall infill with framing, insulation, and exterior finish matching the home
Full rough-in for a dedicated kitchen, bathroom, and laundry connection with C-36 plumbing crews
Electrical panel upgrade or subpanel, dedicated circuits, and HVAC mini-split or forced-air system with insured C-10 and C-20 crews
Interior finish including insulation, drywall, flooring, cabinetry, fixtures, and final building inspection

When do you need this service?

You want to add rental income from your garage and need a fully permitted, rent-ready unit that passes a city inspection
An aging parent or adult child needs independent living space on your property without the cost of new construction
Your detached or attached garage is underused and your San Diego County property qualifies for an ADU under California law
You want to add appraised square footage and resale value with a permitted conversion rather than unpermitted work
You need a separate guest unit that does not require sharing the main home entry or bathroom

What do homeowners ask about Full ADU?

What does a full ADU conversion cost in San Diego?

A full ADU conversion in San Diego County typically runs $80,000-$150,000 depending on the garage size, finish level, structural requirements, and whether a panel upgrade is needed. Permit fees vary by city. The on-site estimate from the crew you are matched with confirms the written price before anything starts.

Do I need a permit for a full ADU garage conversion in San Diego?

Yes. A full ADU conversion requires building permits, architectural drawings, Title 24 energy compliance documentation, and plan check approval from your city or county. California law has streamlined the ADU permit process and limits permit fees, but permits are still required. The crews we refer handle all permitting when the scope calls for it.

Can I convert a detached garage to an ADU in San Diego County?

Yes. Detached garages are one of the most common ADU conversion types in San Diego County. California law allows detached garage conversions on most single-family lots regardless of lot size, subject to setback and height rules specific to your property. Your crew confirms eligibility at the on-site visit.

Will I lose my parking if I convert my garage to an ADU?

Under California ADU law, cities and counties cannot require you to replace removed parking when you convert a garage to an ADU if the property is within half a mile of public transit or qualifies under other exemptions. Most San Diego County addresses qualify. Your permit plans confirm the parking rule for your specific address.

How long does a full ADU conversion take?

Plan check timelines vary by jurisdiction: the City of San Diego typically runs 4-8 weeks, while unincorporated county areas and cities like Escondido and El Cajon may run 6-12 weeks. California law caps the approval window at 60 days for ADU applications. Construction after permit issuance runs 8-16 weeks for a full ADU. Your crew sets the project timeline at the on-site estimate.